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At a time when most businesses are looking for the best ways to cut expenses, Columbus-based Manifest Corp. is doing just the opposite, taking on more expenses in an effort to better serve its clients and employees.
Manifest Corp., a provider of information and business systems consulting services, is launching three separate business entities; Manifest EDU Ltd., Manifest Software and Manifest Solutions in an effort to provide its clients with a full-range of business and IT consulting services.
"The (idea for the expansion) came from our clients as a way to fill a void that they saw in the market. (The companies) are a convergence of things that our clients have a need for and can't find in the market," said Executive Vice President Kathy Bryan.
Nancy Matijasich, founder and Chief Executive Officer of Manifest Corp., said this expansion was the natural course for the business to take. "It's always been a philosophy of ours, something that we have always wanted to do," she said.
Matijasich explained that Manifest EDU "redefines information technology development" by combining educational services with management consulting. Bryan added that Manifest EDU "marries management consulting and educational training so that we can work with clients to bridge the gap to get people where they need to go."
Matijasich said Manifest Software provides information technology services such as e-commerce solutions, network and security as well as Web hosting and design. Manifest Software consultants also work with companies to help them come up with an "e-brand" for their company Web sites, she said.
Manifest Solutions, offers IT professional services including systems and business analysts, programmers, database administrators, project managers, as well as statement of work and direct placement services for clients, according to Matijasich.
Both executives think the launching of three separate businesses will provide their clients with even greater resources and consulting services.
"All four of our companies permeate everywhere. (Clients) can stay with Manifest and have all the hard work and dedication we have always provided so they never have to leave the family to get all that they need," Matijasich said.
"(This business model) provides clients with the strength of a big player combined with the speed and agility of a niche player," she added.
Keeping good employees was also a key factor in the corporation's decision to expand. She said she believes the structure of the corporation will eliminate the need for employees to go elsewhere in search of career growth opportunities. She said the employees like the flexibility and freedom that the corporation's structure allows for and it helps her business to stay strong.
"If you can keep good talent and give them the opportunity to grow in their field, then you will succeed," Matijasich said.
Despite the recession, Matijasich said she never considered the idea that this might not be the ideal time for a business expansion.
"Risk is a perception, it depends on how you view it. When you are banking on the people you work with and have confidence in your staff, you find a way to make it work," she said adding that, "we've never really followed the curve...(the expansion) just seemed like a natural course of action for us. We're not really paying attention to economic trends."
Matijasich said this was the ideal time for her business plan to take shape because the ventures have finally matured to a point where they can be structured and function as separate entities.
She said the expansion is really a "different kind of idea" but that "differentiating quality" was exactly what she wanted for the business. Matijasich said that having four separate businesses under one organization sets her company apart from other companies, offering clients a value that no other consulting company can offer.
She said she hopes to expand the business even more in the future. "We do plan to expand into different geographic locations and if there are voids in services that any one of our companies can't handle, we would form another company," she said.
Right now, Matijasich said the company is driven by clients and employees, so the next expansion, whether inside or outside of Columbus, will depend upon their needs.
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